190k suspension service and spring

[kcirtap813]

Hello, I just reached 190k Mileage on my 2003 4runner which I purchased at around 140k.

I upgraded the brakes not too long ago, and I just now got some Kenda Klever A/T tires on it and noticed my front left strut is leaking a bit and I am not sure if any of the suspension components have ever been replaced so I figure its time to do a refresh. I am a bit tight on money currently and don't have too much want to lift the truck as I mostly drive on-road and only go off-road when I am going fishing/hiking which isn't very often so I don't see any real reason to lift, never planning on doing serious off-roading.

With that being said, I noticed that front and rear struts OEM from Toyota would run me about $200; KYB for $270; and B6 4600 for $345. Since the OEM have lasted for 190k miles, I am leaning towards those unless people tell me otherwise since they seem to be the cheapest option and reliable.

What I am unsure of are what ideal Springs I should buy that is budget friendly? all the springs I looked at were $200 for just front or rear, which would be then $400 or more in springs alone which is much more than what I was hoping for.. Any suggestions on budget springs?

Also is there anything else that I should consider on replacing/servicing that is not very expensive while I am already working on the front/rear struts? I have already upgraded my brakes recently.

I can't spend too much on suspension as I know that I should service the serp belt and waterpump as I believe it was done at around 100k miles or so from the previous owner so I need to make sure I can afford that.

Thank you for any reply and help, I appreciate it!

 

[AuSeeker]

I'll leave it others on the suspension questions...BUT is yours a V8 or V6?

I ask because you mentioned "serpentine belt" and water pump needing replacing, if you have a V8 then what is more of a concern after 100,000 miles is the "timing belt" in which case I also recommend doing the water pump at the same time because it takes the same amount of work to replace it as it does to do the timing belt which would need replacing again once it get any exposure to coolant from the failed water pump, if the timing belt breaks then your engine will be TOAST and NEED REPLACING, then of course the serpentine belt which is less important may also need replacing but if it breaks it will not do much harm for the most part.

If you have a V6, it has a timing chain which usually lasts up to around 300,000+/-, the serpentine belt can be replaced whenever, the water pump can wait until it fails to be replaced because it easily replaced and not buried in with the timing chain....IF you don't let the engine over heat, which will cause damage to the heads.

 

[Syr4RinNC]

Keep a look out for used suspension components through facebook groups - your local 4runner group, 4unner classifieds, facebook marketplace, ebay, on here. Most of the upgraded springs should last a while as should quality aftermarket brands - bilstein, toytec, icon, fox, radflo, etc etc

one easy swap would be to use 5th gen springs on the 4th gen. You should be able to get these for free. They have no market value - buying through toyota would be expensive, but so many people take them off and so few people are looking for them. Dont pay more than $50 for springs. The should give you a slight lift over 4th gen (0.5-1 inch) and are like 30-50 pounds stiffer. Moog springs are also a good option

I used 5th gen coils for a while and was happy, until I went to a heavier/ bumper and winch in front

Actually - I have 5th gen front and rear struts and front coils if you go that way - youd just need to pay shipping and then if youd just have to pick up 5th gen rear coils

depending on how handy you are and cost savings, you could go for 5th gen struts/ shocks as well, with some minor modifications

Shocks & springs from 2017 5th Gen into 2008 4th Gen v6. Perfectly compatible?

 

[MikeinNH67]

Keep a look out for used suspension components through facebook groups - your local 4runner group, 4unner classifieds, facebook marketplace, ebay, on here. Most of the upgraded springs should last a while as should quality aftermarket brands - bilstein, toytec, icon, fox, radflo, etc etc

one easy swap would be to use 5th gen springs on the 4th gen. You should be able to get these for free. They have no market value - buying through toyota would be expensive, but so many people take them off and so few people are looking for them. Dont pay more than $50 for springs. The should give you a slight lift over 4th gen (0.5-1 inch) and are like 30-50 pounds stiffer. Moog springs are also a good option

I used 5th gen coils for a while and was happy, until I went to a heavier/ bumper and winch in front

Actually - I have 5th gen front and rear struts and front coils if you go that way - youd just need to pay shipping and then if youd just have to pick up 5th gen rear coils

depending on how handy you are and cost savings, you could go for 5th gen struts/ shocks as well, with some minor modifications

Shocks & springs from 2017 5th Gen into 2008 4th Gen v6. Perfectly compatible?

Best bang for the buck is to do this. ^^^

I got mine from Ebay 2 years ago off a new 2020 4runner that got an upgrade. Both front whole assemblies shipped to me door for $120 and they looked brand new. Just had to shave about 1mm off the lower strut eyelet to fit and they will last the life of the car. The ride is like night and day plus the front ride height went back to where it should be.

 

[kcirtap813]

I'll leave it others on the suspension questions...BUT is yours a V8 or V6?

I ask because you mentioned "serpentine belt" and water pump needing replacing, if you have a V8 then what is more of a concern after 100,000 miles is the "timing belt" in which case I also recommend doing the water pump at the same time because it takes the same amount of work to replace it as it does to do the timing belt which would need replacing again once it get any exposure to coolant from the failed water pump, if the timing belt breaks then your engine will be TOAST and NEED REPLACING, then of course the serpentine belt which is less important may also need replacing but if it breaks it will not do much harm for the most part.

If you have a V6, it has a timing chain which usually lasts up to around 300,000+/-, the serpentine belt can be replaced whenever, the water pump can wait until it fails to be replaced because it easily replaced and not buried in with the timing chain....IF you don't let the engine over heat, which will cause damage to the heads.

oh my bad! I do have a v8, sorry for using the wrong terminology. I had it inspected when i first bought the car at around 140k miles and the previous owner said he changed it but didnt have a record of it and i got it inspected and they told me it looked like it had been changed.. so im not exactly sure what mileage it got changed at and ima t 190k right now so I am very worried it could pop anytime and I don't have the expense to get a new engine obviously. So my main priority is to get that done and my front strut as I know it just started leaking.

How much should I expect for a waterpump/timing belt job cost me on labor if i source the parts myself so I make sure I dont get ripped off?

 

[kcirtap813]

Keep a look out for used suspension components through facebook groups - your local 4runner group, 4unner classifieds, facebook marketplace, ebay, on here. Most of the upgraded springs should last a while as should quality aftermarket brands - bilstein, toytec, icon, fox, radflo, etc etc

one easy swap would be to use 5th gen springs on the 4th gen. You should be able to get these for free. They have no market value - buying through toyota would be expensive, but so many people take them off and so few people are looking for them. Dont pay more than $50 for springs. The should give you a slight lift over 4th gen (0.5-1 inch) and are like 30-50 pounds stiffer. Moog springs are also a good option

I used 5th gen coils for a while and was happy, until I went to a heavier/ bumper and winch in front

Actually - I have 5th gen front and rear struts and front coils if you go that way - youd just need to pay shipping and then if youd just have to pick up 5th gen rear coils

depending on how handy you are and cost savings, you could go for 5th gen struts/ shocks as well, with some minor modifications

Shocks & springs from 2017 5th Gen into 2008 4th Gen v6. Perfectly compatible?

I am not sure I read this correctly, but are you offering me front/rear struts, as well as front springs? How much would shipping cost you think, and do you know how many miles are on em so I would have an estimate of when I would need to replace them again. I super appreciate it honestly, i wasn't expecting a comment like this. like I said earlier, I was looking at $140 for front struts, and $50 for rear struts shipped off of toyota oem parts store and was trying to find budget springs so I could get this suspension done while having money left over to pay for someone to do the belt/pump job.

 

[kcirtap813]

Best bang for the buck is to do this. ^^^

I got mine from Ebay 2 years ago off a new 2020 4runner that got an upgrade. Both front whole assemblies shipped to me door for $120 and they looked brand new. Just had to shave about 1mm off the lower strut eyelet to fit and they will last the life of the car. The ride is like night and day plus the front ride height went back to where it should be.

Would you say the 5th gen swap onto a 4th gen was easy? I found some brand new trd 2021 shocks and springs for 200-$250 shipped, which would be cheaper than buying oem 4th gen because just the shock alone would be 200 let alone then having to buy springs and I would prefer a more updated shock and spring anyways so as long as the job isnt that much harder this definitely seems to be the move.

I noticed you said you bought a "full assembly" front shock/strut , I assume that comes more than just the struts/springs so with that being said, if i purchased just the strut/spring of a 5th gen it would be more modification than just shaving off 1mm of the eyelit correct?

 

[AuSeeker]

oh my bad! I do have a v8, sorry for using the wrong terminology. I had it inspected when i first bought the car at around 140k miles and the previous owner said he changed it but didnt have a record of it and i got it inspected and they told me it looked like it had been changed.. so im not exactly sure what mileage it got changed at and ima t 190k right now so I am very worried it could pop anytime and I don't have the expense to get a new engine obviously. So my main priority is to get that done and my front strut as I know it just started leaking.

How much should I expect for a waterpump/timing belt job cost me on labor if i source the parts myself so I make sure I dont get ripped off?

It all depends on what they charge per hour for labor, that seems to vary not only from shop to shop but also from different areas of the country but I'm just guessing from a quote I got, I was quoted $750 for parts and labor at a local garage that does work on our company's vehicles about a year ago but I'm most likely going to do the job myself when the time comes unless I just don't have the time to do it...BUT I have seen other quotes on the forum from $750/$800 to up around $1000+/- for parts and labor, what you get quoted hopefully will be somewhere within this ball park.

I would highly recommend you get the Aisin TKT-021 timing belt kit, this is the kit that most here uses, it's not Toyota branded..BUT all the parts in the kit are made by the companies that provide OEM parts to Toyota, including the timing belt, it has everything you need for the timing belt, water pump, pulleys, hydraulic tensioner and gaskets, your best price would be getting from RockAuto, this kit sells for around $200+ to up around $290+/- depending on where you price it at...BUT RockAuto has it listed for $184.79 + shipping, don't cheap out and get any other kit and it will be exactly the same as OEM specs and parts but without having Toyota stamped on the parts!!

2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4.7L V8 Timing Belt, Water Pump & Component Kit | RockAuto

That being said some garages will charge more for labor when you provide the parts, so get them to quote you both ways, just be sure they are going to use the Aisin TKT-021 timing belt kit and nothing else, also I would be sure to let them know you want to inspect the new parts before the install them to make sure they are for sure using the Aisin kit.

 

[kcirtap813]

It all depends on what they charge per hour for labor, that seems to vary not only from shop to shop but also from different areas of the country but I'm just guessing from a quote I got, I was quoted $750 for parts and labor at a local garage that does work on our company's vehicles about a year ago but I'm most likely going to do the job myself when the time comes unless I just don't have the time to do it...BUT I have seen other quotes on the forum from $750/$800 to up around $1000+/- for parts and labor, what you get quoted hopefully will be somewhere within this ball park.

I would highly recommend you get the Aisin TKT-021 timing belt kit, this is the kit that most here uses, it's not Toyota branded..BUT all the parts in the kit are made by the companies that provide OEM parts to Toyota, including the timing belt, it has everything you need for the timing belt, water pump, pulleys, hydraulic tensioner and gaskets, your best price would be getting from RockAuto, this kit sells for around $200+ to up around $290+/- depending on where you price it at...BUT RockAuto has it listed for $184.79 + shipping, don't cheap out and get any other kit and it will be exactly the same as OEM specs and parts but without having Toyota stamped on the parts!!

2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4.7L V8 Timing Belt, Water Pump & Component Kit | RockAuto

That being said some garages will charge more for labor when you provide the parts, so get them to quote you both ways, just be sure they are going to use the Aisin TKT-021 timing belt kit and nothing else, also I would be sure to let them know you want to inspect the new parts before the install them to make sure they are for sure using the Aisin kit.

amazing information, i will be sure to get the aisin tkt kit for when i am getting that done. Thank you for that info, especially about making sure the shops use that kit etc, I normally do buy parts myself then bring it to a shop for that reason specifically.

 

[AuSeeker]

amazing information, i will be sure to get the aisin tkt kit for when i am getting that done. Thank you for that info, especially about making sure the shops use that kit etc, I normally do buy parts myself then bring it to a shop for that reason specifically.

Just make sure to get the kit I mentioned, there are 2 Aisin kits for these V8s, the one I posted and the other that doesn't have the hydraulic tensioner, as long as you get the TKT-021 and not the TKT-001 you're good to go, either will work but you do want to get the new tensioner so there's no possibility of your old one not getting proper tension on the timing belt.

 

[Syr4RinNC]

I believe I got the parts off a '19 with about 10k on it at the time

Im in Syracuse, so it wont be cheap to ship. Its fairly heavy, my guess is about $50-75 based on distance and weight

If youre on facebook, Id just go to the marketplace and type in 4r suspension - within 100 miles of Denver, theres a few sets of full shocks and springs from 5th gen take offs for $100 or less

Let me know if youre interested

 

[MikeinNH67]

Would you say the 5th gen swap onto a 4th gen was easy? I found some brand new trd 2021 shocks and springs for 200-$250 shipped, which would be cheaper than buying oem 4th gen because just the shock alone would be 200 let alone then having to buy springs and I would prefer a more updated shock and spring anyways so as long as the job isnt that much harder this definitely seems to be the move.

I noticed you said you bought a "full assembly" front shock/strut , I assume that comes more than just the struts/springs so with that being said, if i purchased just the strut/spring of a 5th gen it would be more modification than just shaving off 1mm of the eyelit correct?

It's as easy as swapping any of these without having to deal with spring compressors, toughest part is getting them to release from the strut towers as they rust to them. These are whole assemblies like the one in the link below. So strut, spring and top hat for the front already put together, no extra mods other than the lower part being shaved.

Looks like Syr4RinNC has a good deal for you, I'd be all over it if I still needed them. The rear has normal shocks and springs, no strut back there. I only changed the shocks on mine with some KYB's. My back springs have very little sag on them.

Plus one on the Aisin kit.

10-18 (2010-2018) 4Runner SR5 Front Strut Assembly OEM 48510-35350 SUV Used | eBay

 

[kcirtap813]

I believe I got the parts off a '19 with about 10k on it at the time

Im in Syracuse, so it wont be cheap to ship. Its fairly heavy, my guess is about $50-75 based on distance and weight

If youre on facebook, Id just go to the marketplace and type in 4r suspension - within 100 miles of Denver, theres a few sets of full shocks and springs from 5th gen take offs for $100 or less

Let me know if youre interested

I appreciate it! I managed to scoop a 2021 front shock and coil assembly, front upper control arms, rear coils and rear springs all 15k miles or less for $125 local. I can use the 5th gen control arms as well correct?

I assume since the other parts all work the control arm would work as well.

 

[Syr4RinNC]

I appreciate it! I managed to scoop a 2021 front shock and coil assembly, front upper control arms, rear coils and rear springs all 15k miles or less for $125 local. I can use the 5th gen control arms as well correct?

I assume since the other parts all work the control arm would work as well.

Good deal - yes its the same UCA. FYI - you'll see people mention that its a trd off road suspension, or limited suspension. All the suspension components are the same except for the TRD pro models which have upgraded parts

 

[MikeinNH67]

I appreciate it! I managed to scoop a 2021 front shock and coil assembly, front upper control arms, rear coils and rear springs all 15k miles or less for $125 local. I can use the 5th gen control arms as well correct?

I assume since the other parts all work the control arm would work as well.

Post back with your driving impressions once installed.

 

[kcirtap813]

Post back with your driving impressions once installed.

will do! I will be picking up the parts tomorrow, and installing them sometime this weekend I hope.

 

[- Rita -]

will do! I will be picking up the parts tomorrow, and installing them sometime this weekend I hope.

Its taken you years to do this?